Times change, but treat taxis and ride-services similarly

For many months, we have seen articles, editorials and columns about the taxicab dilemma. Now King County Executive Dow Constantine has proposed new regulations that appear fair to current taxi companies and the new ride-service companies [“King County exec steps into ride-services fray,” Local News, May 16].

This is preferable to some proposals that tend to favor the status quo and conventional taxi cabs. I suggest that local governments and the taxi drivers accept that we are now in the 21st century and that things change with time.

Now in the “Gatesian” era, little pocket devices can summon taxis that operate with new and different business modes. Dialing a telephone or waving at curbside is no longer needed to summon a taxi. New regulations and procedures should treat both old and new taxi entities equally regarding fees, licensing and other operating concerns, and should require that they meet the same high standards of customer service and safety.

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